Body Appreciation Scale Research Articles

Psychometric properties of an Arabic translation of the body appreciation scale (BAS-2) and its short forms (BAS-2SF) in a community sample of Lebanese adults

ObjectivesThe present study sought to examine the factor structure, reliability, validity and gender invariance of the Arabic Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2), and its two short forms (the 3-item and 2-item BAS-2SF) among community Lebanese Arabic-speaking adults.MethodsWe carried-out an online cross-sectional survey. The 10-item BAS-2, the functionality appreciation scale and the Eating Attitudes Test-26 were completed by 826 Lebanese community adults (57.9% females, aged 25.42 ± 8.44 years).ResultsThe Arabic 10-item, 3-item and 2-item BAS-2 converged on a one-factor solution, and demonstrated high internal consistency (McDonald’s ω value of .92, .88, and .86 respectively). All indices suggested that configural, metric, and scalar invariance was supported across gender. The 3-item and 2-item BAS-2SF were highly correlated with the original BAS-2 (r > 0.9). Higher 10-item, 3-item and 2-item BAS-2 scores correlated significantly and strongly with more positive eating attitudes and greater functionality appreciation, and higher 10-item BAS-2 scores correlated positively and weakly with BMI, supporting convergent validity.ConclusionThe present work contributes to the literature by providing a psychometrically sound Arabic-translation of the BAS-2 and short-forms, benefitting both researchers and clinicians.

Validation and measurement invariance of a Korean version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 in cisgender sexual minorities and heterosexual adults

The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) has been validated in various languages across samples with different characteristics. However, its validation and invariance based on sexual orientation in Korean samples have yet to be examined. The current study validated the psychometric properties of the BAS-2 in Korean sexual minorities, and examined measurement invariance between sexual minority and heterosexual individuals and between sexual minority cisgender women and men. Responses from 449 sexual minority and 400 heterosexual individuals were analyzed. In the sexual minority sample, a confirmatory factor analysis supported the scale’s unidimensional structure, exhibiting strong factorial validity; further, a correlation analysis revealed positive correlations with body satisfaction, positive sexual minority identity, life satisfaction, and self-esteem, supporting the convergent and criterion-related validity. A hierarchical regression analysis confirmed the incremental validity of the BAS-2 on life satisfaction and self-esteem. The BAS-2 was invariant across women and men at the scalar level in the sexual minority sample, and across sexual minorities and heterosexuals at the partial scalar level in the total sample. Latent mean comparisons indicated no significant differences in BAS-2 scores between sexual minority women and men, while sexual minorities scored significantly lower than heterosexuals. The multiple-indicators multiple-causes model provided evidence of differential item functioning.

Body appreciation around the world: Measurement invariance of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age

The Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) is a widely used measure of a core facet of the positive body image construct. However, extant research concerning measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across a large number of nations remains limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset – with data collected between 2020 and 2022 – to assess measurement invariance of the BAS-2 across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups. Multi-group confirmatory factor analysis indicated that full scalar invariance was upheld across all nations, languages, gender identities, and age groups, suggesting that the unidimensional BAS-2 model has widespread applicability. There were large differences across nations and languages in latent body appreciation, while differences across gender identities and age groups were negligible-to-small. Additionally, greater body appreciation was significantly associated with higher life satisfaction, being single (versus being married or in a committed relationship), and greater rurality (versus urbanicity). Across a subset of nations where nation-level data were available, greater body appreciation was also significantly associated with greater cultural distance from the United States and greater relative income inequality. These findings suggest that the BAS-2 likely captures a near-universal conceptualisation of the body appreciation construct, which should facilitate further cross-cultural research.

Factors Associated with Satisfaction with Male Genital Self-Image in Brazil.

Male genital self-image (GSI) refers to how men feel about their genitals. Studies suggest that GSI is influenced by several psychosocial and physical factors, such as frequency of sexual activities, anxiety, and sexual dysfunctions. In Brazil, no studies have investigated the factors associated with satisfaction with male GSI. This is a cross-sectional and online study conducted with Brazilian men over 18years of age. The Male Genital Self-Image Scale (MGSIS), Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were used. Body appreciation and frequency of sexual activity were included as confirmatory variables and other variables were explored as factors associated with GSI. Data were analyzed by binary logistic and multiple linear regression, according to the MGSIS cut-off point for satisfaction with male GSI and total score of MGSIS, respectively. A total of 1,235 men (M = 26.14, SD = 7.28years) participated in the study. The mean of the total MGSIS score was 23.02 (SD = 4.45; absolute range, 7-28) points, with 62.11% of men being classified as satisfied with GSI. Men satisfied with GSI were more likely to have a partner, higher body appreciation, lower body mass index (BMI), and not have phimosis (excess skin covering the penis, making it difficult to expose the glans). Satisfaction with GSI of Brazilian men was associated with relationship status, body appreciation, BMI, and phimosis.

The Body Appreciation Scale-2: Validation of a Korean version among older adults

The Body Appreciation Scale-2: Validation of a Korean version among older adults

Functionality appreciation is inversely associated with positive psychotic symptoms in overweight/obese patients with schizophrenia

BackgroundWhile the relationship between negative aspects of body image and positive schizophrenia symptoms was extensively investigated and is relatively well-established, there is a dearth of literature on the relationship between positive symptoms and positive aspects of body image, such as body appreciation and functionality appreciation, in patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to (1) compare weight stigma, body and functionality appreciation between obese/overweight and normal-weight patients with schizophrenia, and (2) explore the associations between these variables and positive psychotic symptoms in the obese/overweight group.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Lebanon during September 2022 recruiting selected in-patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Patients were classified as overweight/obese if they had a BMI > 25 (N = 76 (37.25%), aged 55.57 ± 11.30 years, 42.6% females). The Weight self‑stigma questionnaire, the Functionality Appreciation Scale, and the Body Appreciation Scale, and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used.ResultsNo significant difference was found between overweight/obese and normal-weight patients for all variables, except for weight stigma; a significantly higher weight stigma score was significantly found in overweight/obese compared to normal-weight patient. In the bivariate analysis, higher functionality appreciation was significantly associated with higher positive PANSS scores. The results of the linear regression, taking the positive PANSS score as the dependent variable, showed that higher functionality appreciation (Beta = − 0.52) and higher social support (Beta = − 0.16) were significantly associated with lower positive PANSS scores, whereas having a secondary education level compared to illiteracy (Beta = 7.00) was significantly associated with higher positive PANSS scores.ConclusionAlthough based on cross-sectional data, these findings preliminarily suggest that higher functionality appreciation can help reduce the severity of positive psychotic symptoms in overweight/obese schizophrenia patients, and that interventions aimed at improving functionality appreciation could be regarded beneficial therapeutic targets in the treatment of psychosis.

Тест пищевых установок (ЕАТ-26): оценка психометрических характеристик и факторной структуры на неклинической выборке 876 студенток

<p style="text-align: justify;">The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) is widely used all over the world, including Russia, for screening eating disorders, however, the psychometric characteristics and factorial structure of the questionnaire have not yet been studied on Russian non-clinical samples. This study involved 876 female students aged 17–26 (M=20.11±1.79) from three cities (Moscow, Ryazan, and Arkhangelsk). All respondents were asked to fill out an adapted Russian version of EAT-26. To assess the retest reliability, 48 students from Ryazan filled out the questionnaire twice with an interval of one month. To assess construct validity, 293 female students from Ryazan filled out the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) to assess a positive attitude towards the body, 281 students from Arkhangelsk filled out the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). As a result, descriptive statistics of the total score and responses to individual items of EAT-26 were obtained. In accordance with the critical value of EAT-26 (≥20), the risk group for eating disorders included 13.5% of the respondents. The high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha — 0.883) and retest reliability (r=0.865) of the EAT-26 total were shown. The confirmatory factor analyses failed to confirm the three-factor structure originally proposed by the authors of the questionnaire. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed a five-factor model (χ<sup>2</sup>=226.584, df=81, p<10<sup>-6</sup>, CFI=0.970, RMSEA=0.046, 90% CI [0.038; 0.052] with 15 items included (EAT-15), which has high rates of internal consistency and retest reliability (Cronbach's alpha — 0.840; r=0.861). Psychometric characteristics and indicators of reliability and validity of EAT-26, EAT-15, and the five selected scales are given.</p>

Impact of Body Appreciation and Social Appearance Anxiety on Life Satisfaction among Young Adults

This study was intended to investigate the impact of body appreciation and social appearance anxiety on life satisfaction among young adults. The aim of this study was to determine whether body appreciation impacts the young adults life satisfaction and they feel social appearance anxiety or not. Total 600 participants including 300 males and 300 females, having age range of 18-41 years from Islamabad and Rawalpindi were selected. Purposive sampling technique was used for research purpose. The Body Appreciation Scale (TL. Tylka., 2015), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (Levinson 2013), and life satisfaction scale (Diener et al., 1985) administered on the participants of the study. For the purpose of testing hypothesis, Pearson Correlation, T-Test analysis and linear regression analysis were used. The finding of the current study suggests that young adults faced body appreciation problems. Our findings revealed that social appearance anxiety negatively predicted life satisfaction. It also indicated that there was significant positive correlation between body appreciation and life satisfaction. The results also demonstrated that females scored higher on social appearance anxiety as compared to males. This study will be helpful for young adults to understand the impact of body appreciation and social appearance anxiety on life satisfaction. This study will also highlight that how body appreciation will impact our life and increase anxiety level.

Further evaluation of the psychometric properties of the German version of the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2): Cross-validation, measurement invariance, and population-based norms

Using a representative sample of the German general population (N = 2509, 16–74 years), this work aimed to cross-validate the modified one-factor model recently reported for the German Body Appreciation Scale 2 (BAS-2). We also examined measurement invariance across gender, tested differential item functioning across age and BMI, systematically evaluated subgroup differences, and provided norms according to subgroups. Overall, the BAS-2 demonstrates good internal consistency. Cross-validation supported the generalizability of the modified one-factor model. Multi-group confirmatory factor analyses supported full scalar invariance across gender; comparisons revealed higher scores among men compared to women with a small effect size. Age (only women) and BMI (both genders) significantly predicted latent BAS-2 scores. Of note, differential item functioning for age and BMI was observed. Concerning manifest group differences, we found a significant main effect of weight status: Individuals with obesity reported the lowest body appreciation levels, while individuals with underweight/ normal weight reported highest levels. Our findings suggest that the German BAS-2 has good psychometric properties and is suitable for examining body appreciation across gender among German women and men. Moreover, norm values enable future usage of the scale in health and clinical research by providing reference data for interpretation.

The Development and Standardization of an Indian Positive Body Image Scale: An Exploratory Research

Background: Body image is an integral component of the self-concept that significantly shapes human functioning and people’s life outcomes. Although negative body image is well-studied, there is little research on positive body image. This study examined the basic characteristics of positive body image to standardize a scale for it. Methods: We used an exploratory research design, a variant of mixed methods design. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, 17 men and 18 women aged 21 to 30 years were selected according to the screening criteria based on the results of the body mass index and the Body Appreciation Scale. The semi-structured interviews were conducted, followed by their verbatim description of developing themes and basic descriptions of positive body image. The second phase involved 507 participants (268 males and 239 females) aged 20 to 35 years, who were administered the newly developed positive body image scale and general health and quality of life measures for validation. Results: Several theoretically sound and practically relevant positive body image characteristics were identified. The main themes identified in the first phase were a phenomenon with complex facets, connected to the self, social realities, life outcomes, health practices, and social relevance. The second phase led to developing a new 24-item positive body image scale that included two components: body appreciation and body effectiveness. It had desirable psychometric properties. Test-retest reliability showed significant levels, while correlation coefficients of the derived measure with general health and quality of life demonstrated its validity. Conclusion: A positive body image is a multifaceted construct associated with self-enhancement, health, life success, and relationships. A psychometrically appropriate measure of positive body image was standardized. The study results can have implications for health research and practice.

Implications of Socio-Cultural Pressure for a Thin Body Image on Avoidance of Social Interaction and on Corrective, Compensatory or Compulsive Shopping Behaviour.

This paper aims to discuss the implications of body talk and socio-cultural pressure for the internalisation of a thin body image in purchase decisions, shopping habits and other outcomes of body dissatisfaction, in particular the proneness to avoid human/social interaction in retail contexts and proneness to engage in corrective, compensatory or compulsive shopping behaviour. This paper conducted an online questionnaire that measured the following constructs: body mass index; Socio-cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale-4 (SATAQ-4), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2), Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS), Compulsive Buying Follow-up Scale (CBFS), proneness to avoid social interaction in retail contexts, and the intention to purchase a list of products and services as a compensation for body dissatisfaction. A structural equations model supported the hypotheses proposing the influence of BAS-2 and SATAQ-4 (the internalisation of thin/athletic body and the social comparison induced by family, peers and media) upon the outcomes of social-interaction avoidance, ACSS and CBFS. Nevertheless, BAS-2 only influences social-interaction avoidance. This paper provides several recommendations to brand managers highlighting the social responsibility role of brand advertising in enhancing positive body appreciation, mitigating the psychological damage caused by socio-cultural pressure and preventing the stigmatisation bias against obese people.

Person-centered evaluation of positive body image among Chinese nursing students: Associations with body appreciation, self-concept clarity, and negative affect.

Nowadays, the effect of body image (BI) on negative affect among nursing college students has been ignored. This study used person-centered methods to evaluate the profiles of body appreciation (BA) among Chinese nursing students. We explored the predictive factors of these profiles and examined the difference in negative affect among the profiles. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in a university in Anhui province, China. Five hundred and forty-one Chinese nursing students from a nursing college of a larger university completed this survey. Participants completed the Sociodemographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Self-concept Clarity Scale, the Body Appreciation Scale-2, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Latent profile analysis was employed to classify the BA profiles, and multinomial logistic regression analysis were conducted using the three-step regression and Bolck-Croon- Hagenaars method to test the relationship between the latent profiles of BA, several covariates (including gender, age, year of schooling, residence, academic achievement level, interpersonal relationship status, whether the student is an only child, duration of use of social media platforms, body mass index (BMI), and self-concept clarity (SCC)), and negative affect. Analysis resulted in a four-profile model that included a "low BA" group (14.42%), an "upper medium BA" group (36.41%), a "lower medium BA" group (36.97%), and a "high BA" group (12.20%). SCC, years of schooling, interpersonal relationship status, and BMI were found to be the predictive factors of BA profiles. The four profiles differed in levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. Our study showed that more than half of nursing students were dissatisfied with their BI and the predictive factors evaluated and negative affect were associated with the profiles of BA. Nursing faculties should take measures to help students develop a more appropriate awareness of nursing aesthetics, a healthier lifestyle, a better interpersonal relationship with family members and peers, and a clearer self-concept to promote body appreciation and reduce negative affect related to BI.

Effect of Intermittent Fasting on Body Image Satisfaction and Appreciation Among Saudi Adults.

Obesity remains a public health concern, and intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular strategy for weight loss that has gained considerable scientific and popular attention. However, weight control can affect body image. Poor body image and its impact on psychological well-being are linked to obesity in many individuals. Body appreciation is a crucial characteristic of positive body image. However, there is a lack of studies assessing these relationships in Saudi adults. To evaluate the associations between IF diet, body image satisfaction, and body appreciation in Saudi adults. A web-based cross-sectional study was done with healthy Saudi adults aged 18 to 50 yearsold who followed the IF diet. The questionnaire had five sections: a brief study introduction, sociodemographic variables, adherence to the diet, modified body image scale, and body appreciation scale. Ethical approval was obtained. A total of 190 participants were included in this study, including 59 (31.1%) males and 131 (68.9%) females. Comparing before and after IF, the body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased after IF (p < 0.001). After IF, a significant decrease in the body image dissatisfaction score was observed (p < 0.001). A significant increase was noted in the body appreciation score (p < 0.001). Conclusion: IF is significantly associated with better body image satisfaction and body appreciation. These results may help weight loss studies and may have public health implications.

Os efeitos da alimentação intuitiva na apreciação do corpo, ındice de massa corporal e comportamentos nutricionais em adultos: uma amostra da Türkiye

ABSTRACT Objective Intuitive eating is an adaptive eating style that makes a strong connection with internal physiological manifestations of hunger and satiety. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of intuitive eating on body appreciation, body mass index, and nutritional behaviors in adults. Methods Sample consisted of 497 individuals. Data were collected online. The questionnaire form included a general information and physical activity evaluation form, anthropometric measurements, Intuitive Eating Scale-2, Body Appreciation Scale-2, and food frequency questionnaire. Results A statistically significant relationship was found between body mass index and eating for physical rather than emotional reasons, reliance on internal hunger and satiety cues, body-food choice congruence subscale scores, and total scale score. There was a correlation between body appreciation and unconditional permission to eat, reliance on internal hunger and satiety cues, body-food choice congruence subscale scores, and total scale score. The number of physically active intuitive eaters was significantly higher than non-intuitive eaters. A significant correlation was found between intuitive eating scores and frequency of consumption of fish, cake, biscuit, chocolate, granulated sugar, honey, jam, molasses, pastries and dairy-based desserts, sunflower oil, margarine, and sugary, carbonated drinks. Conclusion Intuitive eating can be an effective tool in sustaining and controlling weight loss, and with more studies, it may be possible to further spread this practice

Predictive factors of disordered eating among adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Due to excessive concerns and focus on weight control and body shape, adolescents often resort to inappropriate behaviours and attitudes towards eating, resulting in physical and psychological issues. This study aimed to assess possible relationships and predictor variables between disordered eating and age, BMI, body appreciation, self-esteem, quality of family interactions, psychosocial health and childhood trauma experience in adolescents of both sexes in the city of Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina). A cross-sectional study was carried out on a suitable sample of 724 high-school students aged 14-19 years. The following tools have been used: socio-demographic questionnaire, The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS), Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, Quality of Family Interaction Scale (KOBI), and Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory, version 4.0 (PedsQLTM) and Childhood trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Collected data were analyzed in SPSS v. 20.0 software using Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis. Body appreciation is the most significant predictor for developing disordered eating across the entire sample of adolescents (β = -0.325, P < 0.05) and individually for male adolescents (β = -0.199, P = 0.010) and female adolescents (β = -0.379, P < 0.001). In addition to this variable, BMI has proved to be a statistically significant predictor in explaining the eating behaviours of female adolescents (β = 0.185, P < 0.001), while this happens to be self-esteem for male adolescents (β = -0.211, P < 0.022). The most significant risk factors for developing disordered eating in adolescents are body appreciation, BMI and self-esteem. Results of this research can contribute to enhancement of intervention programmes which promote a positive body image and aim to prevent disordered eating in adolescents of both sexes.

Association between Motivation in Physical Education and Positive Body Image: Mediating and Moderating Effects of Physical Activity Habits.

Concerns about body image might prevent adolescents from participating in physical education (PE) classes and physical activities during leisure-time. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed the relationships between teacher support of autonomy, student motivations for PE, and positive body image, in a sample of Lithuanian adolescents. A total of 715 adolescents (51.89% girls) participated in the study. Ages ranged from 14 to 18 years, with a mean age of 16.00 (SD = 0.79) for girls and 15.99 (SD = 0.75) for boys. The questionnaire consisted of demographic questions, the Learning Climate Questionnaire, the Revised Perceived Locus of Causality in Physical Education Questionnaire, the Body Appreciation Scale-2, the Self-Report Habit Index for Physical Activity (PA), perceived physical fitness (PPF), and Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. The results showed that teacher support for students' autonomy was associated with higher positive body image. In adolescent girls, autonomous motivation for PE was the mediator between teacher support of autonomy and positive body image. The associations between self-determined motivation in PE and positive body image were mediated by PPF on one hand, and through PA habits and PPF on the other hand of the structural equation model (in girls). PA habits moderated associations between PE motivation and PPF. Associations between PE motivation and PPF were stronger in girls with the lowest PA habits compared to girls with mean PA habits. These results suggest that PE classes are important for promoting students' positive body images. PE teachers are advised to use pedagogical strategies that promote the self-determined motivation of students for PE. Increased self-determined motivation for physical education might be an effective strategy for physical self-perception and positive body image promotion in adolescent girls, especially those with low PA habits.

The German version of the body image scale: Validation and item response analysis in cancer patients

ObjectiveTo translate the cancer-specific Body Image Scale (BIS) into German and assess its psychometric properties. MethodsThe BIS was translated in accordance with current guidelines. In a prospective, cross-sectional two center study (psychosocial counselling center for cancer patients Leipzig, oncological inpatient ward Berlin), we assessed composite reliability and factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis. Additional item response theory (IRT) modelling was performed. Convergent validity was assessed via correlation with the Body Appreciation Scale (BAS) as well as psychological symptom burden (PHQ-9, GAD-2 and Distress Thermometer). Discriminant validity was assessed via demographic and clinical group comparisons. Results677 patients participated (response rate 78%). Composite reliability was 0.95 and the one-factor structure was confirmed (standardized root mean square residual = 0.051, average variance extracted ≥50%, no indications of local dependence). In IRT models, all items had a discriminating power above the established threshold of b = 0.5 and relatively high “difficulty” parameters (b = 0.89–2.06). The BIS was negatively correlated with the BAS (rho = −0.62, p < 0.001) and positively with psychological symptom burden (e.g. PHQ-9: rho = 0.49, p < 0.001). Patients who were younger, female, had undergone chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery and those who were distressed by fatigue, their appearance or sexual problems had significantly higher BIS scores. ConclusionThe German version of the BIS is a valid tool to assess BID in patients with cancer that is now available for clinical or research contexts.

Researching of The Relationship Between Women’s Body Attitudes, Recreational Awareness Levels of Women

The aim of this study is to specify the body attitudes and recreational awareness levels of women, to identify whether demographic variables are effective on these levels and to examine the relationship between these two concepts. The research, designed on the basis of the relational research method, was conducted with 772 female participants in Turkey. The data of the research are given to be the participants’ demographic information (age, body mass index and marital status), body attitudes (Body Appreciation Scale) and recreational awareness levels (Recreational Awareness Scale). In order to analyze the data, descriptive analysis, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis variance (ANOVA) and regression test have been used. The result of the analysis reveals that participants’ body appreciation and recreational one-way analysis variance (ANOVA) awareness are high. The result of the analysis reveals that participants’ body appreciation and recreational one-way analysis variance (ANOVA) awareness are high. It has been observed that age, marital status and body mass index variables create a significant difference on body appreciation and recreational awareness. It has been noted that there is a linear and low-level relationship between body appreciation and recreational awareness, body appreciation attitude is a significant predictor of recreational awareness and explains 8% of the total variance significantly.

The Role of Body Shame and Age on Appearance-Based Exercise and Positive Body Image in Women from Poland: Preliminary Results of a Cluster Analysis.

The aim of this study has been to analyse whether body shame and age may play a role in appearance-based exercise and positive body image in Women from Poland. It was assumed that women with high body shame and at the stage of young adulthood have significantly greater levels of appearance-based exercise and lower positive body image than those with a low level of body shame and at the stage of middle adulthood. The final sample included 234 Polish women (age: M = 31.58, SD = 13.93; body mass index: M = 23.45, SD = 4.72). Participants completed: the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale (OBCS), the Exercise Appearance Motivations Scale (EAMS), the Body Appreciation Scale-2 (BAS-2) and a socio-demographic survey. The cluster analysis technique indicated four distinct clusters: (a) Cluster 1 (N = 83): high body shame and young adulthood; (b) Cluster 2 (N = 29): high body shame and middle adulthood; (c) Cluster 3 (N = 88): low body shame and young adulthood; (d) Cluster 4 (N = 34): low body shame and middle adulthood. The outcomes partially support the hypothesis, as higher levels of almost all subscales related to appearance-based exercise (EAMS: "muscularity", "societal pressures", "shape/weight concerns", "avoidance/shame") and lower positive body image (BAS-2) were observed in women with high body shame and at the stage of young adulthood compared with women with a low level of body shame and at the stage of middle adulthood. These results indicate that both body shame and age may contribute to the intensity of appearance-based exercise and positive body image deterioration. Clarity on this issue is essential to ensure that an appropriate preventive activity and interventions are made which will be able to take into account the specific sociocultural context in Poland.

Hiking, indoor biking, and body liking: a cross-sectional study examining the link between physical activity arenas and adults’ body appreciation

BackgroundBody appreciation might serve as a protective factor for developing eating disorders and is associated with participation in physical activity. Less is known about whether various arenas for physical activity may be linked to body appreciation. Therefore, the current study sought to (1) identify potential associations between physical activity level and arenas for physical activity, connectedness with nature, self-compassion, and body appreciation in adults, and (2) explore physical activity level and arenas, connectedness with nature, and self-compassion as explanatory factors for body appreciation.MethodsA total of 360 adult Norwegian inhabitants (75% women, mean (SD) age 42.58 (12.30) yrs) responded to an online questionnaire. Instruments included the Body Appreciation Scale, the Connectedness with Nature Scale, and the Self-Compassion Scale.ResultsThe percentage of participants who engaged in various physical activity arenas were 98.5% for nature, 57.5% for fitness centers, and 43.0% for organized sports. Small, positive associations were found between body appreciation and the frequency of using fitness centers and nature as physical activity arenas. Self-compassion, connectedness with nature, and frequency of using fitness centers and nature as physical activity arenas explained 39% of the variance in body appreciation.DiscussionThe importance of both fitness centers and nature as arenas for physical activity to explain body appreciation was surprising and might reflect different use of fitness centers among adults compared to younger age groups.ConclusionPhysical activity at fitness centers and in nature were positively associated with body appreciation in adults. Self-compassion, connectedness with nature, and using fitness centers and nature as arenas for physical activity, were found to explain variation in body appreciation in adults.